Space Economy of the Future

The World Economic Forum–McKinsey knowledge collaboration on space economy of the future looks to accelerate the role of the space ecosystem in driving sustainability, security, and technological development on Earth.

Featured Insight

An illustration of a planet using delicate line work. Several rings encircle the planet, and a retinue of moons align in a row to dominate the center of the image.
Report

Space: The $1.8 trillion opportunity for global economic growth

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As the space economy expands, it could create value for multiple industries and solve many of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Insights from industry leaders

Interview

Making aerospace ‘diverse and dynamic’: An interview with Airbus U.S.’s Debra Facktor

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One of the highest-ranking female executives in the aerospace industry foresees a space economy—and a space workforce—that look very different from today’s.
Debra Facktor headshot
Lisa Callahan is depicted in a hand-drawn illustration, sporting a smile, shoulder-length hair, and a striped cardigan. The drawing features precise lines and subtle shading, using black and white tones for her face and blues for her attire.
Podcast
Laying the foundations for a space economy
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Space already plays a larger role in our lives than we realize, and it’s only going to grow as new technologies and innovations...
A hand-drawn image shows Jesse Klempner and Ryan Brukard standing next to each other, both dressed in suit jackets and collared shirts. The drawing features precise lines and subtle shading, using black and white tones for their faces and blues for attire.
Podcast
Why on earth should business care about space?
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Two decades of technological innovation have unlocked a wealth of space-based opportunities for commercial entities to offer...
A hand-drawn illustration of Mark Boggett, with a friendly smile and wearing glasses, suit jacket and collared shirt. The drawing features precise lines and subtle shading, using black and white tones for his face and blues for his attire.
Podcast
Space: Building a digital infrastructure above the sky
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Venture capitalist Mark Boggett offers an investor’s view of the strides being made in space technology, its practical...

The Next Normal

The future of space: It’s getting crowded out there
Collection
The Next Normal – The future of space: It’s getting crowded out there
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Could you soon be taking trips to outer space? Some experts think so. Rocket launches have become much less expensive, so thousands...
Wall Street to Mission Control: Can space tourism pay off?
Commentary
Wall Street to Mission Control: Can space tourism pay off?
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With the COVID-19 pandemic curtailing earthly travel, space tourism may seem like a far-fetched dream—but some companies are...

Insights on the Space Economy of the Future

The horizon line of planet Earth as seen from space
Article
A different space race: Raising capital and accelerating growth
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As innovation accelerates within the space sector, companies may benefit by taking a disruptor’s mindset to accessing and...
Map of the planet representing a global social network
Article
Space around the globe
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The United States remains the epicenter of space activity, but many more countries are getting involved and increasing their...
Astronaut suit
Article
R&D for space: Who is actually funding it?
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Government still funds most space-sector R&D, but private companies have recently driven a notable uptick in overall investment....
Satellites around the earth, all in blue tone
Commentary
Expectations versus reality: Commercial-satellite constellations
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Many commercial-satellite operators are still creating overly ambitious plans, but more companies are now making steady progress...
Digital planet
Article
The potential of microgravity: How companies across sectors can venture into space
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Should you move your R&D and manufacturing into the ether? A new McKinsey analysis explores the opportunities.
Moon over Earth
Article
Space: Investment shifts from GEO to LEO and now beyond
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Investors have recently focused on space ventures in low-Earth orbit, but interest is growing in lunar and beyond orbital regimes....
A man is lying on a bench and using a smartphone
Article
Is there a ‘best’ owner of satellite internet?
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New satellite internet concepts are moving ahead. Are some types of companies better positioned to succeed in this growing market...
Large LEO satellite constellations: Will it be different this time?
Article
Large LEO satellite constellations: Will it be different this time?
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New satellite constellations are on the cusp of deployment, but their long-term success hinges on substantial cost reductions....

Our people

Ryan Brukardt
Senior Partner, Miami
Ryan Brukardt
Jesse Klempner
Partner, Chicago
Jesse Klempner